[Stepper]

Sim mentioned labor-saving devices: I'm starting to think there is no such thing. Our ancestors beat their rugs twice a year to get the dirt and dust out; they had two sets of clothes, regular and Sunday best, which were washed rarely because hauling water is backbreaking labor; and (if they were lucky) they had a horse and buggy instead of a car.

In response to "labor-saving" devices, people are now expected to vacuum weekly (daily, in some cases), do multiple loads of laundry weekly (and have clothing for all sorts of occasions), and keep their cars washed and filled with fuel (the amount of time you spend at your job to afford the car, insurance, and fuel is the real labor). In order to have these labor-saving devices, Americans now spend more time at work than any other industrialized nation (my guess would be that Canadians aren't too far behind).

All of these labor-saving devices consume energy and produce pollution--and people aren't working all that much less than they used to. I think society's "standards" are in need of adjustment.

[Simon47]

Originally Posted by Stepper

Sim mentioned labor-saving devices: I'm starting to think there is no such thing. Our ancestors beat their rugs twice a year to get the dirt and dust out; they had two sets of clothes, regular and Sunday best, which were washed rarely because hauling water is backbreaking labor; and (if they were lucky) they had a horse and buggy instead of a car.

In response to "labor-saving" devices, people are now expected to vacuum weekly (daily, in some cases), do multiple loads of laundry weekly (and have clothing for all sorts of occasions), and keep their cars washed and filled with fuel (the amount of time you spend at your job to afford the car, insurance, and fuel is the real labor). In order to have these labor-saving devices, Americans now spend more time at work than any other industrialized nation (my guess would be that Canadians aren't too far behind).

All of these labor-saving devices consume energy and produce pollution--and people aren't working all that much less than they used to. I think society's "standards" are in need of adjustment.

Great observation. I was watching a program that discussed developments in human hygeine practices and it was considered in that up until fairly recently; daily showers were unheard of. bathe once a week and give the pits and privates a wash through the week, maybe. Ever wonder why perfume was created?? Lifestyle changes definitely have a significant effect on resources as you outlined.ie) volume consumption of water.how many differnet products are made that affect the environment just so you don't smell human. stink like a rotton apricot or a dried up Hohoba plant and you're welcome but god forbid you break a sweat. How embarassing.Studies have also indicated that too clean isn't good either and eating dirt isn't such a bad thing.

Nobody said progress was going to be cheap or as costly. Your guess about Canadians is correct. What is the full price for success? We are beginning to realize it.

Sim

[peachy]

Stepper and Simon, really good points that I hadn't really thought of. =)